bjhkmf said:
I've heard that the Sora components are not as smooth as the 105. Any thoughts on this?
Well, I'd get the Cypress SL with the carbon fiber fork and seatpost, and Ultegra/105 components...But I like flatbars (guess what my bike is).
I bought low and hit the ceiling in upgrades fast. Being new to cycling, I figured I didn't need any fancy stuff until I started riding. My norm is 20 miles around Sonoma county, with some hilly stuff. The low end der's I had didn't want to shift on the hills, under pressure, and needed adjustment frequently (and are nto up-grade-able). I could have gotten past it, but my wife said I could buy a new bike, after a year (my plain Jane Cypress is a 2000 though- I got it used for $100).
If I could have upgraded the bike I would have, but the tubing used in the Higher Cypress is the Giant ALLUX, which is lighter then the 6061.
So heres the answer. For $850, you are going to get a bike that does not wear out as fast (better chain, BB, cranks, rear cassette), and that you are happier with longer, which makes sense if you tend to just get new bikes in the long run anyway. You will be able to upgrade if something breaks for minimal $$ (The Ultegra rear der is $14 more then the 104), and be even happier. Your frame will be lighter (same geometry though), and so will the sweet Mavic wheels the OCR 2 comes with. I would be inclined to spend that extra $250 out of the shoot rather then lament not spending it while I am huffing and puffing up a hill and my derailler won't shift.
the 2 cents has been delivered